Frank Swannell Diaries: Part I
Diaries of Frank Cyril Swannell Learn more.
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BC Archives MS-0392 - Box 1, Volume 4-5
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79. H.Q. 3rd Inf. Bde 1st Lan. Div. Petite Mungue Fme Day 12h. 29m. long] SEPTEMBER,1915. [17th, Sun rises 5h. 40m.
SUNDAY 12 [255-110] 15th after Trinity Spent whole day in orderly Room plotting 1/2500 map 18pdr BTy W. of HQ leTs loose This afternoon - one shell bursts[?] prematurely - we geT full benefit, buT luckily no one hiT. Defective fuze[?] or[?] mistake in setting.
MONDAY 13 [256-109] -The gunners say iT is U.S. made Ammunition and was probably Tampered wiTh in The factory by pro-Germans. - Evidently" Too proud to fight." Hear example of officer - English aT HQ Today "Twas him That learned me" corrected to "Twas him That Taught me". Refer - "The applicant for a commission must have a good sTandard of education" Boche aeroplane Tackled by a Britisher near STeenwerck - Brought down wiTh shoT Thru[?] reservoir - When near ground opens fire wiTh M.G. on route-marching BaTTalion K.R.R's - who return fire + riddle aviator Brand new biplane, which I inspect
TUESDAY 14 [257-108] Holy Cross Day Germans sTill shelling Trench 140-142 - one casualTy our bunch. 5"9 H.E. Our artillery reTaliaTe wiTh futile shrapnel. Boche artillery "registering" 4 shells near Dereumaux [?] shop, Romarin[?] 2nd Con. Div. now over + Con. Army Corps formed under Gen. Alderson. Baxter gets a haggis which Flore cooks for him - one TasTe enough for me - Flore calls iT le p'tT[?], cochon. * At U.3. earThworks being built more sTakes were added - Two large coils Thick black wire left on righT hand of messines Road 1/2 ' diam. no barb Boches put notice up opp. 13A "Brest, LiTowsk The last fortified place in Polawie[?] is fallen. We only lost 3 Torpedo boats in The basin Riga. all oTher news about That noT are True"
WEDNESDAY 15 [258-107] Working on 1/2500 from aeroplane photos. Division sends Telegram for me To report about my commission Heavy gun firing on left aT 930pm - Notice That after 3 flares from German Front Line Their guns sTarted. Ordered To report Nieppe wiTh full kit *Flore asked what sauce was served wiTh haggis in ScoTland - Baxter said whysk[?] which Flore ThoughT might be strong enough To destroy The TasTe, she hoped so!
BC Archives. MS-0392, Box 1 Volume 4, FRANK SWANNELL PAPERS, Diary and enclosures,1915.